Comments on: Veterans Benefits

By: mike_brewer

mike_brewer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:00:32 +0000

Given that the spouses of combat veterans are not only the first to know that something has gone awry in the soul, they also absorb all the radioactivity of the litany of symptoms of PTSD and are often at risk for their own stress related health issues. The incidence and frequency of Fibromyalgia in the spousal population of veterans with a PTS diagnoisis is so pronounced that I cannot imagine why the National Institute of Health in collaboration with the VA do not conduct a longitudinal study. Or is there a reason that they do not want to look under this rock?

By: mike_brewer

mike_brewer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:51:20 +0000

Thanks Scooter you da man.

By: mike_brewer

mike_brewer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:47:43 +0000

Larry, if you care to share the nature of your issue, we have alot of research people backing me up at this site. As you know the collective knowledge and experiential trails that we have negotiated, may be of help to you, and of course others as well. That being the primary purpose of this BLOG. Semper Fi. Call anyitme 520-808-3907

By: Larry Brown

Larry Brown — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:19:57 +0000

Thanks, Mike when time is available I certainly would enjoy this. I have some things on my mind, and it would be interesting to see if others are having problems like I am
in the VA system. They give it to us and are slowly taking away what we got……….

By: sunshinesuperman

sunshinesuperman — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:56:58 +0000

When it comes to Veterans Benefits their is a whole universe of knowledge that is laced with nuggets of useful information when you tap into the collective knowledge of veterans in dialogue. Without the help of my fellow combat veterans my claim may well have taken years to accomplish. I look forward to meeting the new community of veteran bloggers.

By: Scooter

Scooter — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:27:26 +0000

I have been involved with the VA “Machine” for over 20 years, all of which was spent filing my PTSD claim, having it acknowledged and awarded 100% (total and permanent) and time enjoying the health care benefits the VA provides me.
I have met many individuals within the VA System, but BY FAR the most helpful, respectful, and effective individual I have met is the owner of this Blog — Michael Brewer —
You will NEVER be disappointed with any aspect of your involvement with Mike for any reason whatsoever.

By: Lydia B

Lydia B — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:27:56 +0000

This is such a wonderful opportunity for veterans and their spouses/significant others to have a meeting place right in Tucson. Yes, we might meet in the VA or the Vet Center or (God forbid) in a bar, but this could well be the best information swap meet available.

The women and men who love and support our veterans are especially in need. You may be diagnosed by the VA for having Secondary PTSD, but that diagnosis is the booby prize – good luck getting care for that condition.

My question is: Why doesn’t the VA offer counseling for spouses? Are they afraid of taking responsibility? Afraid to open that door because they will never get it closed again? Looks like that to me.

By: Paul Hawley

Paul Hawley — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:32:49 +0000

I am living proof that the system can and does work. I literally would not be here if it were not for the help I recieved at the V.A. Like anything worth having, it takes work to get that help, but guys like Mike and others are encouraging and helpful with navigating the system to YOUR benifit! Talk to these guys they know what they are doing!